The rainforest is often described as the lungs of our planet, responsible for producing much of the oxygen we breathe and regulating the global climate. This nutrient-rich and incredibly diverse ecosystem impacts the world’s weather, water cycles, and even the air quality in cities far from the tropics. In short, the rainforest plays a pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth, which is why it’s a place we all should appreciate—whether we live near it or not.
To help us better understand the incredible diversity and importance of rainforests, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has unveiled its newest exhibit, “Animals of the Rainforest,” an immersive experience that brings the beauty and complexity of this ecosystem right to the heart of the city. Its opening plaque reads: “The oxygen we breathe largely comes from rainforests, where green canopies perform the crucial task of turning carbon dioxide into oxygen. Protecting and restoring rainforests is essential to ensuring we can continue to breathe clean air, discover new species, and marvel at the beauty of a place that is just as powerful as it is fragile.”
This interactive exhibit invites visitors into a carefully recreated rainforest, complete with humidified air, dimmed lights that mirror the darkness under the rainforest’s canopy, and atmospheric sounds that transport you into the wild. While exploring the space, you’ll encounter remarkable creatures—many of which are rescue animals—living in climate-controlled habitats designed to mimic their natural homes. Produced by Little Ray’s Exhibitions and FARE (Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education), the exhibit comes with professional animal care and rescue information. It’s only the second exhibit to bring live animals to the museum (the first being “Survival of the Slowest,” also from Little Ray’s Exhibitions and FARE) and has already proven to be a hit, offering an engaging mix of education and awe-inspiring animal encounters.
From the famously slow-moving sloth named JJ to captivating boa constrictors like Aphrodite and Hades, the exhibit offers up-close encounters with animals from one of the planet’s most biologically diverse regions. “At a zoo, you wouldn’t get nearly this close to the animals. We provide a really unique view. And since most of the animals here are very small, they don’t need lots of space” says Dr. Frank Krell, who leads the exhibit’s entomology section and has personal experience living and researching in the Guinea Rainforest of West Africa. Other creatures like red-footed tortoises—playfully named after Marvel superheroes—roam and race one another in their more spacious pen. Many of the animals here camouflage into their surroundings, and Dr. Krell shares that when he visits the exhibit with his daughters, they make a game out of spotting the animals first. They also take a positive approach to animals hiding too well: a good reason to come back again another time.
DMNS has also added its own enhancements to the traveling exhibit. “When thinking about what we would contribute to a live animal exhibit, it was difficult, because everything we have in our archives is dead,” explains Dr. Krell. “So we decided to pick the prettiest dead thing.” A display of incredible and rare butterflies from around the world came to the museum via a Golden-based collector who found incredible samples, including the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing, the world’s largest butterfly. Krell adds with pride: “Harvard has four. The Smithsonian has two. And we have two.”
Alongside these animal displays, visitors will find the exhibit educational and engaging, offering lessons on rainforest ecosystems and the critical need for their conservation. Animal handlers share interesting insights into the behaviors of these creatures, making the experience both fun and informative. Plaques with facts about the animals accompany each habitat, written in both English and Spanish. The exhibit’s flow invites visitors into the rainforest, immerses them in its biodiversity, including a section on temperate rainforest environments in North America (in the Pacific Northwest in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California) to bring the message closer to home, and concludes with thought-provoking prompts about climate change, deforestation, and the future of our planet.
While the animals are the main attraction, the exhibit also features photo-friendly, durable sculptures scattered throughout. These vibrant structures create perfect moments for families to capture memories and learn about the rainforest’s rich biodiversity. Additionally, at the front entrance’s info desk, kids can collect trading cards representing all the animals inside the exhibit. Extended hours on Friday evenings (open until 9 p.m.) are a great time for adults to visit after the kids go to bed and enjoy the exhibit in a more tranquil setting—perfect for a unique night out or a quiet escape into nature.
In a world of increasing urbanization and technological distraction, it’s easy to forget the essential role that natural ecosystems play in our daily lives. “Animals of the Rainforest” offers a much-needed reminder of our connection to the planet and the importance of preserving its fragile balance. The exhibit runs through January 19, so take advantage of this rare opportunity to explore the rainforest in the heart of Denver.
